The award-winning film Lion Ark, charting the Animal Defenders International (ADI) rescue operation to enforce legislation banning animal circuses in Bolivia, will be shown in Warsaw on Wednesday 26 April at a free screening hosted by Viva! Action For Animals – Poland.

Lion Arkis more action adventure than traditional documentary. The critically acclaimed film follows the story of how a shocking exposé led to Bolivia banning animal circuses. Circuses defy the law but are tracked down by ADI, animals saved and a joyous finale sees 25 lions airlifted to freedom.

Lion Ark Director Tim Phillips said: “We wanted people to experience a frontline animal rescue, both the challenges and the joy. The film tackles a serious issue, but is exciting and leaves people with a smile on their face, knowing they can make a difference as they see the lives of these animals transform.”

Current legislation in Poland restricts the use of wild-born animals nationwide, and dozens of local authorities prohibit the use of animals in circuses on public land. ADI is teaming up with Viva! Action For Animals – Poland and the Polish Animal-Free Circus Coalition to urge the government to extend its legislation and prohibit all animals in circuses.

Cezary Wyszyński, President of Viva! Action For Animals – Poland said: “There are no reasonable arguments for keeping animals in circuses in the 21st century. This is only a source of income for a small group of people who do not wish to change with the rest of the world. There is no excuse for animal exploitation in circuses.”

ADI’s case studies over the past twenty years have concluded that given the constant travel, the need for animal accommodation to be small, lightweight and mobile, circuses cannot provide the animals with the space and environment they need to maintain physical and psychological health. Welfare is always compromised.

ADI President Jan Creamer said “ADI’s investigations show why circuses are no place for animals. It is important for governments to see the evidence of suffering, the risks to public safety, and introduce laws that reflect changing public attitudes. ADI urges the Polish government to extend its current legislation to prohibit all animal acts.”

Their latest mission, the epic Operation Spirit of Freedom, saw ADI rescue over 100 animals from circuses and the illegal wildlife trade as they assisted the government of Peru with enforcement of a ban on wild animal acts. Native animals including endangered bears and dozens of monkeys were rehomed in Amazon sanctuaries, while a tiger was relocated to a sanctuary in Florida and 33 African lions (nine from Colombia) airlifted to freedom and natural bush habitats in their native Africa.

ADI President Jan Creamer said: “Seeing the transformation of the animals we save drives us to help others in need, and we hope Lion Ark will inspire viewers to help Poland’s circus animals.”